RYAN Sidebottom expects to be in contention to play for Yorkshire in their LV= County Championship match against Middlesex at Headingley next weekend.

The veteran new-ball swing bowler has been out injured since tearing his calf while batting during the second day of the season against Worcestershire at New Road on April 13.

Sidebottom, now 37, travelled with the squad to Taunton last week, where they drew against Somerset, to bowl in the middle before play and work on his fitness.

With not being able to take part in the second innings at Worcester, he has effectively missed four-and-a-half Championship matches – and he says he is itching to get back on the field.

"I went down to Taunton for rehab' and bowling and get myself back to full fitness and make myself available for the coming months," said the four-time Championship winner.

"That's going to be the one I think (Middlesex). I think I'm fit and ready right now.

"I've been at home for so long and I'm bored. I think you get that bug when you see the lads performing and taking wickets. A little bit of jealously kicks in and you want to be out there helping the team.

"Being a bowler and a little bit older, you are going to pick up injuries and take a little bit longer to recover. But I've been around and these things happen.

"It was innocuous, doing it while batting at Worcestershire. It's disappointing because I'm paid to play – that's my job."

Sidebottom's return coincides with the availability of teenager Matthew Fisher for four-day cricket after finishing his A-Level exams.

It gives coach Jason Gillespie the option of resting one or more of his seamers, with Tim Bresnan, Jack Brooks and Steve Patterson having played in all five Championship matches so far.